Static Maps API

The Static Maps API can be initiated using both Named and Anonymous Maps using the ‘layergroupid’ token. The API can be used to create static images of parts of maps and thumbnails for use in web design, graphic design, print, field work, and many other applications that require standard image formats.

Maps API endpoints

Begin by instantiating either a Named or Anonymous Map using the layergroupid token as demonstrated in the Maps API documentation above. The layergroupid token calls to the map and allows for parameters in the definition to generate static images.

Zoom + center

Definition

GET /api/v1/map/static/center/{token}/{z}/{lat}/{lng}/{width}/{height}.{format}

Params

Param

Description

token

the layergroupid token from the map instantiation

z

the zoom level of the map

lat

the latitude for the center of the map

format

the format for the image, supported types: png, jpg

jpg

will have a default quality of 85.

Bounding Box

Definition

GET /api/v1/map/static/bbox/{token}/{bbox}/{width}/{height}.{format}`

Params

Param

Description

token

the layergroupid token from the map instantiation

bbox

the bounding box in WGS 84 (EPSG:4326), comma separated values for:

LowerCorner longitude, in decimal degrees (aka most western)

LowerCorner latitude, in decimal degrees (aka most southern)

UpperCorner longitude, in decimal degrees (aka most eastern)

UpperCorner latitude, in decimal degrees (aka most northern)

width

the width in pixels for the output image

height

the height in pixels for the output image

format

the format for the image, supported types: png, jpg

jpg

will have a default quality of 85.

Note: you can see this endpoint as

GET /api/v1/map/static/bbox/{token}/{west},{south},{east},{north}/{width}/{height}.{format}`

Named Map

Definition

GET /api/v1/map/static/named/{name}/{width}/{height}.{format}

Params

Param

Description

name

the name of the Named Map

width

the width in pixels for the output image

height

the height in pixels for the output image

format

the format for the image, supported types: png, jpg

jpg

will have a default quality of 85.

A Named Maps static image will get its constraints from the view argument of the Create Named Map function. If view is not defined, it will estimate the extent based on the involved tables, otherwise it fallbacks to "zoom": 1, "lng": 0 and "lat": 0.

Layers

The Static Maps API allows for multiple layers of incorporation into the MapConfig to allow for maximum versatility in creating a static map. The examples below were used to generate the static image example in the next section, and appear in the specific order designated.

Additionally, static images from Torque maps and other map layers can be used together to generate highly customizable and versatile static maps.

Caching

It is important to note that generated images are cached from the live data referenced with the layergroupid token on the specified CARTO account. This means that if the data changes, the cached image will also change. When linking dynamically, it is important to take into consideration the state of the data and longevity of the static image to avoid broken images or changes in how the image is displayed. To obtain a static snapshot of the map as it is today and preserve the image long-term regardless of changes in data, the image must be saved and stored locally.

Limits

While images can encompass an entirety of a map, the limit for pixel range is 8192 x 8192.

Image resolution is set to 72 DPI

JPEG quality is 85%

Timeout limits for generating static maps are the same across CARTO Builder and CARTO Engine. It is important to ensure timely processing of queries.

If you are publishing your map as a static image with the API, you must manually add attributions for your static map image. For example, add the following attribution code: